Tag Archives: 1940s

Had to pull over and snap a few pics of this old theatre in Kansas, which was en route to my latest buying trip. I don’t document my travels as much as I should and need to work on that asap. I was gone for 4 days and returned last night,triumphant! Quality over quantity this round. I listed a few of the finds tonight:

1940s? Tropical Hawaiian print? Fishtail peplum? We’re so there. You can expect a last minute bidding war on this here.

Rose print 1950s party dress in shocking, bubblegum, and raspberry pink. Shiaparelli would have approved. here

I managed to amass an entire coat closets worth of patterns, and have made myself many wonderful items over the years. I’ve also made many one of a kind, vintage inspired outfits which I sold through Etsy and EBay, which have gone to happy homes worldwide. I won’t give up this hobby any time soon. But…. I’ve decided to part with the excess. Rather than horde things I don’t use, I’m hoping the patterns will find new owners who will appreciate (and hopefully use) them.

I decided now is the time because traditional domestic skills are making a comeback. The art of making things by hand (and with love) is slowly but surely resurfacing. These patterns are valued today as they weren’t 13 years ago, and I couldn’t be happier about that.

Here is the first batch of patterns I’m offering for sale on EBay. There’s hundreds more, which will be listed weekly throughout the year. I only sell patterns which have all pieces intact. I carefully inspect them to ensure this. So no gambling involved.

1970s Vogue Paris Original #2827. Pierre Balmain day dress. Ok, this one is missing the pattern piece for the belt loop, but that can easily be recreated. All the critical pieces are intact.Vintage size 14.

A few years back I decided to switch selling venues, from EBay to Etsy. But I’ve decided to start selling on EBay again. The Etsy shop will remain open and I’ll continue to add to items to it every so often, but EBay will be the preferred online venue from here on out.

Perhaps you’re wondering why. In one word: traffic. While there’s several things I dislike about EBay, they generate the largest audience for vintage clothing. Hands down. While I love Etsy’s lower prices and ease of use, I’ve recieved more hits in 5 days on a single EBay auction than I have on all my Etsy listings combined… over the course of 3 months! Small businesses need heavy traffic in order to operate. Otherwise sales stagnate and the business becomes a hobby. In the past year this is exactly what happened to me on Etsy. So back to EBay it is.

With no further adieu, here are some treasures currently for sale on EBay:

These crazy 70s platforms came from the estate of country star Skeeter Davis. The certificate of authenticity is long gone, but I purchased them from a very reputable dealer and take her word for it. Size 7 – 7 1/2 US. Grab ’em here.

Prices are negotiable on most store listings. If you need a better price, please don’t hesitate to ask. Serious and reasonable counter offers will be accepted : ).

I go out of town for business this weekend, but will try to add more listings on Sunday night. There’s a ton of great stuff on the way including vintage sewing patterns, fabric, sunglasses, jewelry, boots, and of course clothes. Plus the most amazing vintage cape I’ve ever found. Stay tuned!

Hey y’all! Remember that big announcement I said was on the way? Well… here it is: I’ve teamed up with Sisters of the Black Moon – from now on my best vintage finds will be sold through their EBay shop + I’ll be doing some ‘behind the scenes’ web related stuff for them. This opens a whole new chapter for them as well as I; one we’re all pretty psyched about : ).

Seeing my finds brought to life by them is a dream come true. I just love how the products are statement worthy, yet styled in a way that never looks ‘costume-y’ or ‘dated’. Instead, their presentation is a perfect hybrid of vintage, street, and high fashion – resulting in looks that are do-able and appropriate for every day. You can’t help but get inspired!

On top of that, these ladies are the real deal. Such genuinely cool, kind, and creative people. They’re every bit as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside, so I feel very blessed to be working with them. It’s been a lot of fun so far, and I’m very excited for what the future holds.

Without further adieu, lets get to the good stuff, shall we? Here are some treasures currently up for grabs:

Ooooh, girl! 70s/80s washed silk halter mini in a 30s inspired style. I love the deep v neck + open back. Every gal needs a sexy lil’ thing like this hanging in her closet. here

This 40s rayon Hawaiian stunner sold last week. Such gorgeous colors and print!

There’s PLENTY more where this came from, trust me. What you see here is a fraction of what I brought the sisters + they do plenty of treasure hunting on their own too. Please visit their shop for many more incredible items. Thanks for checking it out!

Hey guys! As I mentioned earlier today, I’m sooo sorry this blog has been a bit neglected lately. A lot has been going on in ‘real life’ which has kept me pretty busy. I’ll try to post daily and keep up on this blogs regular features starting tonight though!

The Tropicalia dress. This House of Trash beauty was made from a sheer cotton organza, which had a Mayan inspired novelty print. It was then given an underlayer in light yellow cotton. Like most House of Trash items, it was constructed from an authentic vintage sewing patter. Rounded neckline, cap sleeves, ruched cummerbund waistline, and full dirndl skirt. Amazing. And SOLD.

Metallic gold with lace overlay. This 50s stunner bore the Jonathan Logan label, and SOLD instantly.

A House of Trash playsuit to end all playsuits! Made from a 40s pattern in the most amazing metallic gold polyester, which feels and drapes like a rayon. You can’t tell from these pics, but it’s actually a 3 pc. set with matching shorts. It’s perfect for a pinup look, and since 70s aesthetics were reinterpretations of 30s and 40s aesthetics, this is suitable for a disco look too. Your fashion forecast never looked brighter.

I have a ‘thing’ for all things inspired by the Native Americans and southwest. Blame it on the 4 year stint I did in Phoenix. Naturally, it was love at first sight for me and this fabric. You’ll see more of it in the near future, but for now, this House of Trash set needs a good home. The tie top is adjustable and perfect for summer, and the skirt is a full circle (aka the best kind). Mix and match them with other items in your closet for a wardrobe that keeps going and going.

If I were a wee bit sorter I’d keep this for myself. This peignoir set is to die for! Lovely peac and white color combo, with tons of lil’ pearly beads throughout. Pair it with tons of jewelry and wear it as outerwear. Why not?

I’ve gotta hand it to you gals down under for having impeccable taste. My Australian customer base is growing and growing, and I could’t be happier about that. This lovely House of Trash dress will be headed for New South Wales first thing Monday morning. SOLD!

The lace is imported French, and retailed for $100 a yard. The light silk taffeta underlayer normally retailed for $30 a yard. 4 1/2 yards were used of each, so under normal circumstances this dress would’ve contained $555.00 worth of fabric alone! I managed to get an incredible deal on it though. And as always, when I get a deal, I keep the good karma flowing by passing a deal on to my customers.

It warms my heart to know this dress has found a new home. When placed alongside authentic vintage, House of Trash manages to outsell the ‘real thing’. That’s one heck of a compliment!

Arpeja were an upscale American boutique label which cranked out some amazing stuff, namely under the lines Young Innocent and Young Edwardian. This 70s boho dress is from the former. Such beautiful mood lifting colors, and I love the kimono sleeves. A winner for sure.

The ‘mama’ of the above dress, if you will. This country inspired cutie dates to the late 1940s, and I originally purchased it from an Austin vintage shop for myself. It’s a tad tight in the waist for me though, so back on the market it goes. Godspeed, lil dress.

The pattern above was used to make the dress below. It’s the first plus size dress I’ve ever made; all it needs is a curvy mamacita to do it justice! Made of a lightweight cotton, which has a very mid century-esque wood grain print to it. Obsessed. I stocked up on bolts of this stuff. This dress will be the only one of it’s kind though.

Soldiers stationed in Manila would send these Philippine souvenir shoes home to their sweethearts. Hand carved and hand painted wooden wedge heels, with cloth uppers. This iconic style has inspired many an imitation since, but these babies are the original thing. ‘Philippines’ is carved on the outsides, and ’45’ (as in 1945) is carved on the inner sides. Thank goodness it’s getting warm.

If Jayne Mansfield lived to see the 1980s, she would’ve loved this! Stretchy cotton blend bandage dress with side draping, body con fit, cap sleeves, and a sexy cut out in back. Love the ta, red, and black leopard print. Purrrr.

Last but certainly not least, original 70s platform clogs with chunky heels. Navy blue leather, with braided detailing along the outer edge of uppers. These go perfectly with all the bell bottoms that are out now. My personal recommendation? These beauties from Charley 5.0 which Nasty Gal has in stock.

Is that wasn’t enough excitement, Goldmine Trash is having another sale! This time everything in stock is 50% off. Use discount code ‘spring’ during checkout.

I meant to list more vintage tonight, but my camera battery is recharging. So tomorrow it is. Stay tuned and stay cool.

ABOUT A GIRL

Ramblin' woman with a heart of black gold. Treasure hunter/restless spirit residing in Texas. I sell vintage clothing to local boutiques, run EBay and Etsy shops, create vintage inspired goods, and take road trips weekly. I love to cook, am a firm believer in crystal healing and other holistic practices, and am on an endless quest for knowledge. Music, film, and art are very important to me.

This blog documents my various adventures and inspirations... when time permits.